What happens in the video
Hana looked everywhere for Theo, then sat down at their table, and Theo jokes that she found him by giving up. At the end, Hana says, "There you are. I found you in two seconds." Theo has an easy answer: he got there two hours early, just in case.
1 There you are.
Tone Warm and relieved
Say it when you finally find someone you were looking for. It works with friends, family and coworkers. Don't use it when you're just meeting a stranger for the first time.
There you are.
For example:
A: There you are. I was looking for you at the gate.
B: Sorry, I was getting coffee.
2 Where are you?
Tone Casual, a bit worried
Use it on the phone or by message when you can't see the person. If you say it in person, it can sound like you're worried or a little annoyed.
Where are you? Well,
For example:
A: Where are you? I'm at the café now.
B: I'm outside. I'll come in.
3 Stay right there.
Tone Firm and clear
It means "Don't move, I'm coming." Use it once you know where the other person is. With a soft voice it sounds kind. If you say it sharply, it can sound like an order.
Stay right there.
For example:
A: I'm next to the big clock.
B: Stay right there. I can see the clock from here.
4 I'm by the entrance.
Tone Neutral and helpful
Use it to give your position. Here "by" means "next to." Change the place to fit your situation: "I'm by the stage" or "I'm by the exit."
For example:
A: I just got here. Where should I go?
B: I'm by the entrance, near the ticket desk.
5 What are you wearing?
Tone Practical, friendly
Ask this when the place is busy and you need a clue to spot the person. In a crowd it's a normal question. Outside that kind of situation it can sound personal, so think about the context.
For example:
A: What are you wearing?
B: A red jacket and a black hat.
A: Got it. I see you.
6 Can you see me? I'm waving.
Tone Light and hopeful
Use it on the phone when you think the other person is close. It's casual, so keep it for friends and family.
For example:
A: Can you see me? I'm waving.
B: Yes! Okay, I'm walking over.
7 I'll come to you.
Tone Calm and helpful
Say it when one person should stay and the other should move. It stops both of you from walking around and missing each other.
For example:
A: I'm at table twelve, at the back.
B: Okay, don't move. I'll come to you.
8 Let's meet at the main door.
Tone Clear, planning
Use it to choose a meeting point, before you arrive or when finding each other isn't working. Pick a place that's easy to see.
For example:
A: This hall is huge. I can't find you.
B: Let's meet at the main door in five minutes.
9 I see you!
Tone Happy and quick
Say it on the phone when you spot the person before they spot you. In person, people often just wave and say "There you are" instead.
For example:
A: I'm near the fountain.
B: I see you! Turn left.
Common mistakes
-
Not quite
Here you are. (when you find a friend)Better There you are.
"Here you are" usually goes with handing something to someone, like a ticket or a coffee. When you finally find a person, say "There you are."
-
Not quite
Where you are?Better Where are you?
In a question, the verb comes before the subject: "Where are you?" Keep "where you are" for statements, such as "Tell me where you are."
-
Not quite
Stay there right.Better Stay right there.
"Right" goes before "there" and means "exactly in that place." Saying "there right" isn't natural English.
Quick quiz
Choose your answer for each question, then open the answer to check it.
-
You find your friend after ten minutes of searching. What do you say?
- There you are.
- Here you are.
- Where are you?
Show the answer (Question 1)
Answer: There you are. "There you are" is what people say with relief when they finally find someone.
-
What does "Stay right there" mean?
- Go to the right side.
- Don't move, I'm coming.
- Stay at home tonight.
Show the answer (Question 2)
Answer: Don't move, I'm coming. The line asks the other person to wait in the same place.
-
Which line works best on the phone when you can't see your friend?
- I see you!
- Where are you?
- There you are.
Show the answer (Question 3)
Answer: Where are you? "Where are you?" asks for a location, which is exactly what you need when you can't see them.
-
Your friend asks, "Where are you?" Which answer helps the most?
- I'm here.
- I'm by the entrance.
- Stay right there.
Show the answer (Question 4)
Answer: I'm by the entrance. It names a clear place, while "I'm here" gives no useful information.
-
What is the tone of "There you are"?
- Angry and cold
- Warm and relieved
- Formal and polite
Show the answer (Question 5)
Answer: Warm and relieved People usually say it with a smile because the search is over.
Questions learners ask
What is the difference between "There you are" and "Here you are"?
"There you are" is for the moment you find someone you were looking for. "Here you are" is usually said when you give someone something, like a menu or a ticket. Both are common, but they do different jobs.
Is "Where are you?" rude?
No. It's a normal question, especially on the phone. Your voice decides the tone: said gently, it sounds a bit worried, and said sharply, it can sound annoyed. Adding a place helps, as in "Where are you? I'm at the café."
How do I tell someone where I am in a crowd?
Name something that's easy to see and add "by," "near" or "next to." For example, "I'm by the entrance" or "I'm next to the big clock." If the place is very busy, say what you're wearing too.
Can I say "Stay right there" to a coworker?
Yes, if you say it in a friendly voice. It's short and clear, so it can sound like an order when the tone is sharp. To make it softer, add "I'm coming" or "I'll come to you."
Film lines are short quotes used for language teaching. The dialogue belongs to its rightsholders. Hana and Theo are animated characters made with Google Flow.
